Frequently Asked Questions

Is The Magic House designed for a specific age level?

The Magic House is fun for everyone! Toddlers enjoy For Baby & Me, an exhibit area inspired by nursery rhymes. Preschoolers love Wonder Works, an area designed especially for younger children to explore the wonders of the world around them. Children ages five to 11 especially like the Children’s Village, a kid-sized community with a market, pet clinic, bank, library, garage and even a fishing pond.

Older children enjoy Can You Solve the Mystery?, where they become detectives to solve an art forgery crime; and the Star-Spangled Center, a civic education center with a courtroom, legislative chamber and the Oval Office, where any kid can be president.

When is the best time to visit The Magic House?

Any time is a great time to visit The Magic House! On weekends and in the summer, afternoons after 2:00 pm are usually the least crowded. During the school year, the Museum is closed to the public on Mondays and on weekday mornings to accommodate school field trip programs. On school days, special areas of the Museum open at 10:30 am for preschoolers and their special adults.

How long is a visit?

The duration of a visit to The Magic House varies depending on the ages of the children. Most families allow two to four hours to visit but are welcome to stay the entire day.

What do your preschool hours mean during the school year?

On school days, special areas of the Museum open at 10:30 am for preschoolers and their special adults. The entire Museum opens at noon.

Where can I park?

Parking at The Magic House is free and available in the large lot behind the Museum. During the summer and on weekends, additional parking is available at Nipher Middle School located south of the Museum and Concordia Lutheran Church across Kirkwood Road.

Is food service available?

The Museum’s Picnic Basket Cafe offers a wide selection of healthy and delicious sandwiches, soups and salads, as well as wholesome snacks, sides and beverages. The kids’ menu includes a child-sized sandwich on whole wheat bread with an apple, yogurt or chips and a drink.

Can I bring my own food into the Museum? Are picnic facilities available?

Families can bring food to the Museum’s outdoor Garden Pavilion and Waterfall Patio. These facilities are available on a first come, first serve basis. Outside food is not allowed within the Museum or Picnic Basket Cafe. Families are also welcome to leave for lunch and return the same day with a Magic House admission sticker.

Are strollers allowed?

Visitors are welcome to bring strollers to The Magic House. Please note that the Museum does not rent strollers. Elevators and ramps are located throughout the Museum to accommodate strollers and wheelchairs.

How do I schedule a birthday party?

Reservations can be made online or by calling us at 314-822-8900. Please visit the Birthday Parties section for additional details.

How do I purchase a membership?

Memberships can be purchased online. Please visit the Membership section.

Does The Magic House offer programs for Scouts?

We offer special overnight Camp-Ins just for scouts! Please see our Camp-Ins section for additional details.

Scouts can also earn badges on their own during a visit to The Magic House during public hours, all without a reservation. See our badge opportunities below.

We are interested in making a donation or contribution to The Magic House, who should we contact?

Thank you for considering a gift to The Magic House. There are many ways to give. To learn more, visit our Support the Museum section or contact the Development Office 314-288-2516.

How do I request a donation from The Magic House for a charity?

The Magic House considers donation requests from 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations whose work is to enhance the lives of children. Please visit the Request a Donation page.

Is The Magic House accessible?

All floors of the Museum are accessible. In addition to elevators and ramps throughout the building, we offer additional accessible entrances at the Emerson Education Center and Members Entrance, located closest to accessible parking spaces.

Is admission good for an entire day?

Yes! Your admission is good for the entire day. Families are welcome to leave and return the same day with a Magic House admission sticker.

Are there any exhibits in the Museum that require an additional fee?

All exhibits are included with admission. You have all-day access to every exhibit in the Museum.

There are additional items available for purchase within the Museum such as souvenir photos and food and beverage.

Are there any days where the Museum offers free or discounted admission?

The Magic House hosts Emerson Free Family Nights on the third Friday of every month. Thanks to the support of Emerson, this event offers free admission to families (up to two adults and four of their own children) from 5:30 to 9:00 pm. Due to capacity regulations, space is limited and reentry is not allowed.

The Museum also offers a special program on the first Friday of the month called St. Louis Children’s Hospital Fit Kid: Free Kid. During this event series, children under 12 can earn free admission. Visit our events page for details.

The Magic House also offers a group rate as well as discounted admission for military families. Visit the Plan A Visit section of the website for additional details.

Can I purchase passes to give as a gift?

Yes! You are welcome to purchase passes on your next visit or you may purchase online and they will be mailed to you. Purchase passes online now.